Jamaat Tightens Party Discipline

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has moved to tighten internal discipline after a series of allegations involving favoritism in the distribution of government grants and relief assistance, preferential treatment for relatives, and other irregularities at the local level. The party has issued written directives to all its members of parliament (MPs) and has already taken disciplinary action, including expulsions and organizational measures, against several leaders over various complaints.

Jamaat emerged as the main opposition party after winning 68 general seats and nine reserved seats for women in the 13th National Parliament election. Having campaigned on promises of justice, transparency, and accountability, the party’s elected representatives faced high public expectations. However, concerns have emerged within the leadership after questions were raised about the conduct of several MPs less than four months into the parliamentary term.

Several senior Jamaat leaders told Agamir Somoy that while the recent incidents may be isolated, the party is determined to prevent them from becoming a recurring pattern. During a series of recent internal meetings, party leaders instructed MPs not to make decisions regarding government grants, discretionary funds, relief distribution, or other state benefits that could damage the party’s reputation.

As part of that effort, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar sent a directive to all MPs, instructing them not to recommend or allocate government grants or financial assistance to family members, relatives, in-laws, personal assistants (PAs), personal secretaries (PSs), or their relatives.

The letter states that even if such individuals qualify for assistance or are genuinely in need, MPs should refrain from using their position to secure government support for them. If an individual is genuinely deserving of assistance, the matter may instead be referred through the party organization, which can take appropriate action within its capacity. Party sources said the directive aims to prevent future controversies.

The most widely discussed recent case involved Narail-2 MP Ataur Rahman Bachchu. His discretionary fund allocation list showed two grants of Tk 10,000 each in the name of his daughter. Critics also alleged that a disproportionately large number of beneficiaries came from his own union and his in-laws’ area. The issue sparked criticism on social media after it became public.

Bachchu later claimed that his personal assistant had prepared the list using a pre-signed document. He subsequently dismissed the assistant from the position. The party also issued him a warning over the incident.

Earlier, allegations surfaced against Pirganj-6 MP Md. Nurul Amin in Rangpur for appointing relatives as presidents of committees under the TR, Kabikha, and Kabita development programs. Khulna-6 MP Abul Kalam also faced allegations of irregularities in distributing funds from the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund and favoring close associates. The party leadership began monitoring the cases after media reports highlighted the allegations.

Jamaat has also taken disciplinary action at the local level. The party temporarily suspended Maulana Tajul Islam, amir of Kotchandpur Upazila Jamaat in Jhenaidah, over allegations of irregularities in distributing a government-allocated bicycle. In Munshiganj, the party revoked the membership of two rukon members over allegations of moral misconduct, violating party discipline, and breaching organizational rules. It also expelled four leaders and activists over an attack on journalists in Dhanmondi.

Party leaders say the recent incidents have challenged Jamaat’s longstanding effort to portray itself as a transparent and accountable political organization. Rather than dismissing the allegations, the party has chosen to take swift disciplinary action and strengthen oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Several senior leaders said public expectations of Jamaat representatives are significantly higher than those of other political parties because of the party’s political stance and emphasis on ethics. As a result, even relatively minor allegations have generated major political debate.

A senior central leader said, “Jamaat-e-Islami has never encouraged nepotism or personal interests. We speak about establishing justice. But some recent incidents are damaging the party’s image. The ameer and the top leadership are taking these matters very seriously. If similar allegations arise in the future, the party may take even tougher organizational action.”

Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer, assistant secretary and head of Jamaat’s media department, also acknowledged that public expectations of MPs are high, making even small mistakes highly controversial. He said the party has issued strict instructions to prevent future irregularities and controversies.

According to Jamaat Nayeb-e-Amir and Rajshahi-1 MP Mujibur Rahman, the recent incidents do not point to major financial corruption but have created political discomfort for the party. He said the leadership has instructed elected representatives to exercise greater caution in carrying out their responsibilities to preserve public trust and uphold the party’s ethical standing.